Developing Talent Today to Strengthen the Logistics Leaders of Tomorrow
At Syfan Logistics, our commitment to delivering excellence goes far beyond moving freight, it extends into building the next generation of logistics professionals. In an industry where talent shortages are as real as tight delivery windows, the way forward is rooted in intentional development: structured internships, mentorship from seasoned professionals, and robust training programs that prepare individuals not just for a job, but for a career.
Workforce development isn’t an afterthought for us, it’s a strategic imperative. By investing in people, we invest in our company’s future, our industry’s growth, and the success of our customers.
Syfan University: A Summer of Learning and Leadership
One of the cornerstones of our workforce development strategy is Syfan University, our immersive summer internship program. Launched in 2017, Syfan U has grown into a meaningful bridge between classroom learning and real-world logistics experience. Over a 10-week period, interns are fully integrated into our operations, working alongside teams in operations, accounting, IT, marketing, and customer service while participating in professional development classes designed to strengthen both technical and soft skills. Topics have included emotional intelligence, Lean Six Sigma fundamentals, and peer conflict resolution all under the guidance of our Senior Learning & Development Specialists.
In 2024 alone, 17 interns from across the Southeast joined us for hands-on experience in a high-tech, team-oriented environment. What sets Syfan U apart isn’t just the work interns do; it’s the culture they absorb, one rooted in teamwork, service, and shared purpose. Interns aren’t observers; they’re contributors. And that approach has helped many return as part-time team members and, ultimately, full-time professionals.
Structured Learning: Gear, Seeds, and Professional Paths
Our internship curriculum isn’t ad-hoc; it’s carefully designed to ensure interns leave better equipped than when they arrived. Through Syfan University training modules like Gear 1 (orientation), Gear 2 (industry introduction), Gear 3 (TMS training), and Seeds for Success (interpersonal and professional development), interns learn the fundamentals of freight movement, logistics technology, and the Syfan Way of doing business. These modules give interns a foundation in both the technical tools we use (like McLeod TMS) and the cultural values that make our team thrive. Mentors and division managers conduct regular evaluations, so interns receive ongoing feedback and professional coaching throughout their experience.
But the learning doesn’t stop with interns. Across Syfan, we offer a variety of L&D programs aimed at continuous growth for every team member. From Leadership Workshops to Gear Up technical classes and monthly micro-learning sessions, our training ecosystem champions growth at every stage of a career. In 2024, we invested more than $2.2 million in learning and development company-wide with plans to go even further in the coming years.
Mentorship That Matters
Development at Syfan isn’t just about structured programs, it’s about relationships. From seasoned operations managers to L&D specialists, our leaders serve as mentors who guide interns and new hires through real challenges and real opportunities. That mentorship rooted in experience, encouragement, and accountability strengthens the workforce and cultivates the kind of professionals who can someday lead teams of their own.
Our culture encourages growth and opportunity; in fact, Syfan’s mentorship ethos has been credited as one reason why nearly two dozen logistics companies have been founded by individuals who first gained experience with us.
Partnerships With Academia and the Community
Workforce development isn’t confined to our doors. For years, Syfan has partnered with local colleges and universities, including the University of North Georgia and Lanier Technical College, to enrich logistics curricula and mentor students as they explore logistics careers. Our involvement helped launch the region’s first supply chain and logistics laboratory, giving students access to hands-on learning environments that simulate real industry operations.
These partnerships not only build practical skills for students; they create a pipeline of future professionals with the knowledge, motivation, and readiness to hit the ground running in logistics.
Investing in People, Investing in the Future
What sets Syfan’s approach apart is the belief that people are our most valuable resource. We invest in training and mentorship not only to fill the roles of today but to shape the leaders of tomorrow. Our internships are more than temporary assignments; they are catalysts for career development. Our training programs are more than workshops, they are foundations for lifelong learning. And our mentors aren’t just teachers, they are builders of potential.
Because at Syfan Logistics, our mission goes beyond freight. It’s about building a workforce that will drive our industry forward, one opportunity at a time.